When you look at Christopher Chirico it's impossible not to see the resemblance to brother Jarrett, but while the dark curly hair and the startling eyes are identical, there is no doubt that Chris is not lurking in big brother's shadow. He has most definitely earned his place seeded among the other top ITF juniors.
Over the past year, while Jarrett moved on to the University of Virginia, Chris has concentrated on the international junior circuit, placing in the quarters or semis of almost every major tournament. At the International Grasscourts, Chris was a doubles finalist (with Johnny Hamui). As unusual as it may be for a Floridian, Grass is actually a good service for Chris, who was the doubles winner and singles semifinalist at that same championships last year.
In 2003 Chris also won the boys 16 doubles at the Easter Bowl and the El Paso Youth Tennis Center Open. (He was a singles finalist at the Easter Bowl.) In fact, Christopher Chirico has been placing and winning tournaments for years. It was an eleven year old Chris who won the boys 12 doubles at the Eddie Herr International Championships. He continued to show his talent the following year as the boys 12 singles winner at the Gator Bowl and Spring Fling, as well as making it to singles and doubles quarters at the Super National Hardcourts and Claycourts.
As the rain came down around us, I sat with Christopher Chirico at the during Chanda Rubin ITF event at the Evert Tennis Academy. Chris had been enjoying the down time of the rain delay with the other players, but was more than willing to cheerfully tell me about what brought him to this point in his junior tennis career.
by Marcia Frost
